A beloved family home and countryside wedding venue in Devon, Upton Barn instantly wraps you up in a warm welcome that will make you never want to leave. We’re all about those wholesome, stripped-back rustic vibes while our approach is simple; you are at the heart of what we do. Now, who’s ready to get married?

A December Wedding on a Crisp Winter’s Day for Lottie & Charlie

‘That ‘Upton Feeling’ is true. There is something so warm and welcoming about the venue and the team – they really do have a family feel about them and you can just tell they wholeheartedly care about your wedding day.’ 

Working in the wedding industry, Lottie had always been familiar with Upton Barn and so when she got engaged to Charlie, she knew it would be the venue where they would be getting married. In fact, the couple didn’t even look anywhere else, booking Upton Barn & Walled Garden just a few days after they initially got engaged. With their hearts set on a December wedding the same year, the couple embarked on their planning journey, with the aim to create a magical wintery atmosphere (and avoiding anything that felt too Christmassy).

While the beautiful outdoor spaces on offer at Upton Barn lend themselves wonderfully to a spring or summer wedding, the couple fell in love with the cosy, rustic and industrial-luxe vibes that the indoor spaces had to offer. And upon seeing The Paddock, Lottie couldn’t picture a dreamier setting to spend the morning of the wedding day getting ready with her eight bridesmaids (and even the groom agreed). When the big day arrived, the soon-to-be newlyweds were spoilt with the definition of a perfectly crisp winter’s day. Frost softly layered the ground, the air was freezing and the sun slowly emerged, glistening across the rolling hills of the Devonshire countryside. Lottie arrived at The Paddock with her bridal party, popped on her wedding morning playlist and opened the prosecco, surrounded by her best friends. One of her favourite moments from the entire day (something that has been echoed by her bridesmaids) was getting ready in The Paddock as the backdrop of the sun rising over the horizon set the scene. Lottie’s glam squad, consisting of Emma Roberts MUA and Cindy Beddard Bridal Hair arrived, ready to get the bride and her best girls aisle ready. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen (along with the Father of the Bride) enlisted Clayzer Pigeon Shooting for some fun on the lawns, with lazer clay pigeon shooting (and a great way to avoid spending too much time at the bar). Bets were placed and a pint of Guinness (or two) was enjoyed by Charlie and his boys – the perfect way in his eyes to spend the wedding morning (although despite the sunshine, it was still incredibly chilly).

The ceremony was hosted in The Cider Barn, offering an intimate yet light and airy feel. Lucca Studios had created a linen backdrop with the quote, ‘You & Me, Always & Forever’ on – which also happened to be the couple’s first dance song. From The Wild had expertly adorned the timber frame (which was handmade by the groom) with lots of leafy foliage – adding texture and a subtle fragrance. A beautiful outdoor confetti moment followed the ceremony, before the couple stole a few moments together as newlyweds, with Tara Statton Photography and Louie Rudge on hand to capture their love story as it unfolded. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed a spot of Clayzer Pigeon Shooting on the lawns beside the lake, while others tucked into delicious canapés from the team at The Mulberry Catering Company – in the warmth inside!

The reception was hosted in The Stable Barn which looked amazing decorated with drapes by Fika and long wooden trestle tables adorned with foliage and greenery by From The Wild. An array of tapered candles in various green hues were styled across the tables, alongside tiny wooden tree slices by Lucca Studios that were used as place settings and winter-inspired wedding favours. The groom works in forestry, so the couple wanted to incorporate forest-esque touches throughout their wedding day, including the tree slices and the tables being named after trees. The speeches took place, followed by an absolutely incredible three-course feast of sharing platters that went down a treat amongst Lottie and Charlie’s friends and family.

A night of dancing in The Cider Barn followed, with The Thrillionaires keeping everyone entertained. It was a pleasure to host Lottie and Charlie’s wedding and we hope you feel inspired after scrolling through their beautiful winter celebration!

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